Category: Notably
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How to Use Taxis in Japan
A Practical Guide: Taxis in Japan are reliable, safe, and notably different in a few key ways from what many travelers are used to, from automatically opening doors to a firm no-tipping norm. This guide covers what you need to know before hailing or booking one. The Automatic Door Is Not Optional The single most…
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Luxury Onsen Ryokan
Luxury Onsen Ryokan Worth Experiencing at Least Once: If there’s one type of accommodation worth experiencing at least once during a trip to Japan, it’s a luxury onsen ryokan. Beyond the hot springs and celebrated cuisine, many of these properties offer rooms with their own small private bath, and soaking in an open-air bath (rotenburo)…
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Climbing Mt. Fuji
A Complete Guide for First-Timers: Climbing Mt. Fuji is one of the most popular bucket-list experiences for visitors to Japan, and it’s genuinely achievable for reasonably fit travelers without technical mountaineering experience, provided you plan around the right season and pace yourself properly. This guide covers what you actually need to know before attempting it.…
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Escalator and Elevator Etiquette in Japan
Which Side Do You Stand On?: It’s a small thing, but standing on the wrong side of an escalator is one of the quickest ways to feel like you’ve made a rookie mistake in Japan, and it’s genuinely one of the more commonly searched practical questions from first-time visitors. This guide covers escalator sides, elevator…
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Japanese trains run on time
Ekiben Culture: Japan’s rail system isn’t just a way to get from A to B, it’s an experience in its own right, from the almost eerie punctuality to the small ritual of picking out a bento box before boarding. This guide covers two things worth knowing: how seriously Japan takes its train schedules, and why…
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Japan’s Rainy Season (Tsuyu)
What Travelers Need to Know: Japan’s rainy season, known as tsuyu, tends to get skipped over in most travel planning, sandwiched awkwardly between the cherry blossom rush and peak summer heat. But if your dates happen to fall during this window, it’s worth understanding what to actually expect, since it’s a genuinely different travel experience…
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Eating Alone in Japan Isn’t Embarrassing
Eating Alone in Japan Isn’t Embarrassing, and Here’s Why: In a lot of countries, eating out alone can feel a little self-conscious, like something you’d rather avoid or apologize for. Japan works completely differently. Solo dining isn’t just tolerated here, it’s built into the design of countless restaurants, and plenty of the most popular food…
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Tax-Free Shopping in Japan
How the Consumption Tax Refund Works: Japan’s consumption tax (currently 10% on most goods) can be refunded for visiting tourists on qualifying purchases, and understanding how the system actually works can save meaningful money on souvenirs, electronics, and other shopping during your trip. The process has changed over the years and continues to evolve, so…
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Is Japan Safe?
A Realistic Safety Guide for Travelers: Japan consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world for travelers, and most visitors experience exactly that: low crime, helpful strangers, and a general sense of ease walking around even late at night. That said, “safe” doesn’t mean risk-free, and there are a handful of specific things worth…
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Trains and Subways
A Beginner’s Guide to Japan’s Trains and Subways: Japan’s train system has a reputation for being confusing: multiple companies, overlapping subway lines, and stations with a dozen exits. In reality, once you understand a few core concepts, it becomes one of the easiest and most reliable ways to get around in the world. This guide…
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Money in Japan
Cash, Cards, and ATMs for First-Time Visitors: Japan has a reputation as a cash-based society, and while that’s changing quickly, first-time visitors still benefit from understanding how money actually works day-to-day: where cards are accepted, where they aren’t, and how to get cash when you need it. This guide covers the practical basics so you’re…
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WiFi and SIM Options
WiFi and SIM Options for Your Japan Trip: Reliable internet access makes almost everything about traveling in Japan easier: navigating stations, translating menus, booking last-minute reservations. Figuring out the best way to get connected before you land will save you a frustrating first day, so here’s a breakdown of your realistic options. Your Main Options…